Are Media has today announced the creation of a specialist customer division. The new team will bring customers to the forefront of the business, with the focus on stronger engagement with retail partners, developing subscription channels and broadened consumer marketing strategy.

Sally Eagle, most recently general manager of the food category, has been promoted to customer director and will lead the new team.

Are Media is expected to distribute almost 80 million magazines in 2021 and the new customer team has been tasked with growing direct-to-consumer channels including Magshop, as well as forging closer relationships with supermarkets and newsagents across the country.

Following the announcement at Are Media’s Showcase that investment in marketing is set to be tripled next year, the new customer division will also oversee retail, subscription and consumer marketing which are being brought together in a more aligned approach.

Eagle, who joined Are Media in 2010 and has held a number of senior roles across the business, said: “Our customers, both subscribers and those who buy our magazines in retail stores, are critical to the ongoing success of Are Media. So it is important we continue to evolve and drive our portfolio of brands across the retail environment by engaging with retailers effectively and ensuring an end-to-end strategic marketing approach.”

Brendon Hill, CEO of Are Media, added: “While we have strong relationships with our retail partners, more can always be done to understand their priorities and identify new opportunities that will benefit us both. By creating a dedicated team to focus on our customers we are signaling this as a priority area for the business.

“Sally has continually shown an ability to build and grow successful brands and I’m delighted she will be leading the team to manage this important work.”

Eagle’s previous responsibilities will now be re-aligned under executive general manager, publishing and digital, Sarah-Belle Murphy.